There are no legal notification requirements for piroplasmosis in the UK although it is recommended that owners inform their national breeders’ association if disease occurs. In the UK, Thoroughbred breeders should notify the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and non-Thoroughbred breeders their relevant breed association.
Piroplasmosis is endemic in many parts of the world. Although the UK is currently considered free from endemic natural piroplasmosis, disease can be introduced through importation of infected subclinical ’carrier’ animals that have no outward signs of disease or through the introduction of infected ticks. Pre-import piroplasmosis screening is not currently a requirement for entry into the UK and there is an increased concern for the disease to establish in the UK as the tick species capable of transmitting the infection has been demonstrated to be present.
